A devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake has hit the central Philippines, resulting in at least 69 fatalities and numerous injuries. The province of Cebu, bearing the brunt of the seismic activity, has officially declared a state of calamity. This declaration comes after thousands were forced to spend the night outdoors due to frequent aftershocks, experiencing power and water outages. One resident described the scene as traumatizing, with the cries of children filling the air.
This natural disaster follows closely on the heels of destructive typhoons that recently impacted the nation, claiming over a dozen lives and highlighting the Philippines’ vulnerability to extreme weather events.
The city of Bogo, located near the earthquake’s epicenter, has been the hardest hit, with images emerging of cadaver bags lining the streets and makeshift tent hospitals treating the injured. Officials have warned of significant damage across the region, and appeals have been made for medical volunteers to assist with the overwhelming number of casualties. Damaged infrastructure, including roads and bridges, is hampering the efforts of emergency services.
Tragically, seven of the earthquake victims in Bogo were residents of a village previously established for those displaced by Typhoon Haiyan, a devastating storm that struck the region 12 years ago, causing over 6,000 deaths.
In San Remigio municipality, a basketball game was interrupted by the earthquake, sending nearly 20 attendees to the hospital, with at least one fatality confirmed from the incident. National police and fire departments are prioritizing search and rescue operations, alongside efforts to restore power and deliver essential supplies.
The region continues to experience aftershocks, including a 4.7 magnitude tremor that hit Bogo on Wednesday evening, felt in Cebu City and nearby Leyte islands with no reported casualties. Religious structures are also a concern, with Cebu’s archbishop advising against entering churches until structural integrity assessments are complete, particularly given the historical significance of many old churches in the region. Earlier footage captured a church bell tower swaying and partially collapsing during the earthquake.
The Philippines, situated on the geologically active “Ring of Fire,” is highly susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic activity. Its location in the path of annual Pacific typhoons further compounds its vulnerability to natural disasters, as evidenced by recent tropical storms that led to evacuations and further loss of life.